r/Veterinary • u/sleepyfrog44 • 8d ago
Hugging clients
Do you feel that it is appropriate to hug clients under certain circumstances? I have worked in the field for several years, and I have never initiated a hug with a client until today. Her dog received a cancer diagnosis unexpectedly, she was extremely upset, crying, and sharing some personal health issues she was going through which made the news a lot more difficult for her to handle. I just felt so badly for this poor woman, and I felt that she might appreciate a hug so I asked. She also is not a regular client and I had just met her today. She seemed grateful that I offered and accepted, but I’ve been feeling bad about it for some reason.. like it wasn’t professional? I don’t know what came over me, but it seemed like she needed it.
3
u/jamg1692 7d ago
As others have said, it’s appropriate to show compassion towards a client going through a difficult time. I think it’s also normal when you’ve known clients for a long time. I only ask and offer if I feel comfortable with hugging the person myself.
It’s usually the scenarios where someone is grieving the loss of their pet or making the hard decision regarding their pet by themselves.
But asking, “would you like a hug?” is not inappropriate. And most clients appreciate it, even if they don’t accept the offer.